Take advantage of government programmes, youth urged

Youth Enterprise Development Fund board Chairman Ronald Osumba has challenged unemployed youth to take advantage of the many government initiatives to empower themselves economically. He noted that in an effort to achieve financial inclusion for all, the government has committed to increase opportunities for youth, women and persons with disability by implementing initiatives such as the Youth Enterprise Development Fund Uwezo Fund, Women Enterprise Fund and the affirmative Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO).

Mr. Osumba was speaking in Nyamira town during the presentation of certificates to 1145 youth who have been trained in entrepreneurship by the Fund, in partnership with the county government. “As government, we recognize that youth are key stakeholders in the economic and social development of our country and, with the right support, they can positively transform their respective communities”, he added.

Mr. Osumba further noted that despite the gains made in financial inclusion, many young people still lack the basic necessary skills required to run sustainable business. He said that the Youth Fund was addressing this challenge through entrepreneurship training. “This will help our youth in identifying viable business opportunities within their locality, he added”.

The chairman called upon county governments to work with the national government so that any youth programmes they initiate may have the desired impact. He said that the Fund is willing to partner with any county government that has a well laid out youth empowerment programme.

Speaking in the same forum, newly appointed Youth Fund CEO Josiah Moriasi said that the transformation of this country can only be realized if young people play their part. He urged the youth to visit the Fund’s offices countrywide to get information on how they can benefit. He said that the Fund has to date disbursed Kshs. 97 million to 3000 youth owned enterprises in Nyamira County and appealed to beneficiaries to repay their loans promptly so that more Kenyans can benefit.